Head gasket replacement: Hood removal required?

[cletus141]

Can I replace the head gasket in my brother's '69 without pulling the hood off? Is the hood tough to remove/reinstall if I do?

 

[tk1218]

No, do not need to remove the hood.

 

[cletus141]

thanks!!

 

[Apogee]

If your rig is lifted, I'd just pull the motor...I wish I had. It would've been much more fun on an engine stand and all of the other little issues that come up (like stripped block drains) are much easier to deal with on a stand IMHO.

 

[Ranchtruck]

Just lean it back against the leading edge of the top with a piece of cardboard in between if you're touchy about the paint. I will caution that you need to use a piece of rope or something if you're working outside to secure it back in that position. One gust of wind could leave you unconscious.

 

[73azbronco]

If you have nice paint, pull the motor. Trust me.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Done 302 and 351 and never took the hood off.

Actually never took the hood off when I pulled the engines either, just opened it up against the windshield.